The Movie Queen Always Wants to Kiss Me - Chapter 35 - I Didn’t Mean to Hide It

Tang Anhe sat quietly in the taxi, her eyes fixed on the red Maserati ahead. Her concern for Cheng Muye’s injuries had compelled her to follow them after leaving the hospital. She had also witnessed the earlier confrontation. Yu Zhaoning’s strikes against the bodyguards were so cool and striking, every movement reminiscent of Cheng Muye’s own style.

So that was what they call kindred spirits, like-minded and in sync, wasn’t it?

A pang of bitterness tugged at Tang Anhe’s heart. She felt an inexplicable unease as she watched the luxury car gradually pull away. Urging the driver forward, she instructed, “Follow them, please.” The driver, a middle-aged woman with plain, honest features, nodded and started the engine without question.

The journey was silent. Tang Anhe’s mind replayed the chaotic scene of Cheng Muye’s discharge from the hospital.

She remembered being blocked by reporters as she tried to leave, only to watch them scatter when Cheng Letian and his entourage appeared. The moment Cheng Muye’s true identity was revealed, her presence as the Cheng family’s daughter outshone even her status as the Best Actress. Flashbulbs popped incessantly, reporters clamored with questions, and all eyes were on her, even as she sat in a worn, tired wheelchair.

From a distance, Tang Anhe couldn’t catch the reporters’ words, but the scene was unmistakable. Despite her injuries and disheveled appearance, Cheng Muye remained the center of attention.

As she continued to watch, an unfamiliar sense of unease crept over her. Her hand hovered over her phone, frozen, unable to call the number she knew so well. She remembered the moment she had wanted to approach, only to be met with that cold, indifferent glance. In that instant, her aloof, untouchable demeanor made it painfully clear—there was no place for ordinary people in her world.

They weren’t from the same world.

The realization struck her sharply, sending a wave of sorrow through her chest.

Outside the car window, a familiar scene appeared. Tang Anhe recognized it immediately: the direction toward Changyu Island. Memories of the close camaraderie they had shared during the wedding commercial shoot flitted through her mind. Yet, in an instant, it all seemed to have changed.

The red Maserati came to a stop in front of a villa with a striking architectural design. The European-style residence boasted red-and-white walls and towering spires, grand and majestic, exuding an air of untouchable opulence.

Tang Anhe remembered passing by this house during a wedding commercial shoot. Back then, Cheng Muye had asked if she liked it and promised to take her inside. Now, trailing behind her, she wondered if that moment had finally arrived.

Tang Anhe remained still in the taxi, her gaze distant. The female driver had been quiet throughout the ride, yet Tang Anhe could feel her glances following her every move. Now, with the car at a stop, the scrutiny became obvious, unabashed. After a long, lingering look, the driver’s expression softened into a kind smile on an otherwise plain face. “Hey… you’re that actress, Tang… something, right?”

It wasn’t the tone of a devoted fan.

Tang Anhe’s mood darkened. She didn’t respond, resting her chin on her hands as she watched the scene outside the window with a quiet intensity.

Yu Zhaoning stepped out of the car, retrieved a wheelchair, and carefully helped Cheng Muye into it. Perhaps her legs had weakened, for a single misstep nearly sent her toppling against Tang Anhe. From that moment, Yu Zhaoning became even more careful, her arms holding Cheng Muye’s shoulders with steady, unwavering support.

Tang Anhe’s eyes burned with fury, wishing she could stride forward and tear those arms off immediately.

“Intentional… it must be intentional! Humph! Taking advantage of my… Brother Cheng!” she muttered under her breath.

But the word “advantage” struck her immediately, and she froze. Wait, what was she thinking? They were both women. How could there be such a thing as taking advantage?

Still, despite her racing thoughts, her fists struck the car window repeatedly, each hit echoing her frustration.

The driver ignored her, pulling out her phone to look something up. Then she turned her gaze back, scanning Tang Anhe carefully. Recognition dawned in her eyes. “You’re Tang Anhe! Oh… the Best Actress! Everyone’s talking about you!” Her excitement surged, and without warning, she grabbed Tang Anhe’s arm and spun around, searching for something.

“What—what do you want?” Tang Anhe’s voice was sharp, alarmed. The sudden grip made her instinctively wrench free, pushing open the car door and stepping out.

“Hey, don’t go! Wait—” The female driver hurried after her, grabbing her arm, her words faltering as a cold voice cut through the air.

“Let her go! Don’t touch her!”

Cheng Muye wheeled herself forward quickly, her expression sharp, her voice commanding.

The driver had only wanted an autograph and had never imagined she would be taken the wrong way. Seeing Cheng Muye’s stern figure, she flushed with embarrassment. “Oh, no… I’m not a bad person. I just wanted her to sign this for my son. He’s a big fan.” She held up the paper and pen, shaking them slightly as she spoke.

Tang Anhe, hiding behind Cheng Muye, felt a wave of shame wash over her. How cowardly she had been, afraid even of a female driver. Under Yu Zhaoning’s watchful gaze, she felt utterly inadequate. If only she were half as composed as her.

“No, it’s fine. I’m sorry. I misunderstood,” Tang Anhe said softly, taking the paper and pen from the driver and signing her name.

“Thank you, thank you! My son loves this… he’s loved you for so long. Keep up the good work. We’ll always support you!”

Hearing such heartfelt words, Tang Anhe’s chest warmed in a way it hadn’t for a long time. She managed a smile, voice bright with gratitude. “Thank you… truly. I really appreciate your support.”

The female driver waved, got back into her seat, and started the engine.

Tang Anhe realized she hadn’t paid yet. She called out, waving her hands, “Hey, wait! I haven’t paid yet—”

But the taxi had already begun to drift away.

A flush of embarrassment spread across her face. Today, she had truly made a fool of herself. She lowered her gaze to the frowning figure in the wheelchair and, worried she might have upset her, hurriedly explained, “Brother Cheng… I was just concerned about you, so I followed.”

Cheng Muye nodded, glancing at the wheelchair armrest, and whispered, “Help me in.”

That small gesture was all the permission Tang Anhe needed. Her heart lifted, and she carefully pushed the wheelchair toward the villa.

Yu Zhaoning trailed silently behind her, her gaze calm, measured, and quietly assessing.

As they moved, Cheng Muye began describing the property. “This is Zhaoning’s villa, covering more than ten acres. There are three separate villas here, each with a floor area of at least two thousand square meters. Its market value is roughly three hundred million yuan…”

Tsk, what a real tycoon!

Tang Anhe stared in disbelief, her mouth agape. “So… so huge… and so expensive?”

Cheng Muye smiled casually. “Expensive? You can easily afford it. You’ve been a celebrity for so many years. It’s hard to believe you wouldn’t have a few hundred million in savings.”

Tang Anhe hesitated. “I… I don’t know. My sister manages all of it.”

“Does she control all your assets?”

“Yes. She said I should just focus on filming, and she’d take care of everything else.”

Take care of everything, Chang Muye thought.

That was an interesting choice of words.

Cheng Muye’s lips curled, a faint glimmer of irony in her eyes. As Tang Anhe’s manager, Song Qiluo’s job was to oversee her career, but having sole control of her assets? Those raised questions.

What was her true motive?

Power, or profit?

Tang Anhe, however, was too distracted to ponder that. Her attention was fully captured by the grandeur of the European-style estate. Cheng Muye wheeled herself along the long marble avenue, the sunlight reflecting off its polished surface. At the end of the straight path stood a circular fountain, the summer breeze carrying the playful spray of water. Beyond it rose the main villa complex, imposing and elegant. Cobblestone paths branched off on either side, each leading to smaller, independent villas.

As Cheng Muye had mentioned, there were three separate villas along the way.

Tang Anhe’s eyes widened in awe, tinged with envy. “Sister Yu is truly wealthy.”

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered Cheng Muye’s status and couldn’t help lowering her gaze, asking softly, “Brother Cheng, it seems you haven’t explained to me yet that you’re the eldest daughter of the Cheng family.”

Only thinking of asking about it just now?

Cheng Muye couldn’t help but admire Tang Anhe’s quick reflexes.

“I didn’t mean to hide it,” she thought, glancing at Yu Zhaoning trailing behind them. Her message was clear, she didn’t want her following.

Yu Zhaoning, ever perceptive, lowered her gaze but didn’t linger. She cast a quick glance at her left calf and whispered, “I’ll contact the doctor. Take care of yourself, and don’t be stubborn.”

Cheng Muye nodded, wheeling herself into the small villa and quickly found her room.

She hadn’t mentioned to Tang Anhe that she also had a share of the seaside villa. When it was first built, Yu Zhaoning had borrowed a large sum from her, citing insufficient funds. Once it was completed, she even allocated her a villa. She had stayed there before, but upon realizing her intention to offer her the villa permanently, she had moved out. Her refusal had been almost cold, a reflection of her dislike.

Tang Anhe, perhaps sensing this history, felt an odd unease, her eyes scanning the villa as if trying to piece something together.

Cheng Muye, reading her thoughts effortlessly, smiled softly and said gently, “I don’t live here anymore.”

“Where are you living, then? I’ll take you home,” Tang Anhe replied quickly, as though eager to leave.

Cheng Muye raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like it here?”

Tang Anhe nodded, muttering under her breath, “So what if the house is big? It feels… empty.” Realizing she might sound envious of the wealthy, she quickly added, “Anyway, my sister always says a golden nest or a silver nest isn’t as good as your own little home.”

Cheng Muye said nothing, but inwardly, she agreed. Home was more than a place. It was a feeling of belonging. No matter how grand or modest, luxurious or simple, it only became a home when warmth, safety, and security filled it.

Tang Anhe helped her sit on the bed, carefully removing her shoes and gently placing her feet on the mattress. As she bent down, Cheng Muye caught a fleeting glimpse of her chest, but her attention remained focused. She began massaging Cheng Muye’s thigh muscles with attentive care and glanced up, asking, “Are you okay? Your legs must be numb from sitting so long. Does the injury still hurt? Do you want some painkillers?”

Cheng Muye was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Tang Anhe to be so thoughtful. Free from the superficiality, materialism, and cunning often found in the entertainment world, Tang Anhe possessed a rare sincerity. Perhaps it was Song Qiluo’s protection and guidance that had preserved her innocence, and in that moment, Cheng Muye felt a strange gratitude toward her manager.

She was genuinely kind.

If I could have her… Cheng Muye thought, I’d have found a treasure.